Apparatus including a cylindrical body and nub

ABSTRACT

An apparatus may include a plunger and a substantially cylindrical body. The substantially cylindrical body may include an end portion having rounded edges and may define a cavity sized to receive the plunger. The substantially cylindrical body may include at least one opening extending from the cavity to an external surface. The at least one opening may a substantially irregular shape. In some embodiments, the at least one opening may extend from the cavity through a nub to the external surface. The nub may have a rounded shape. In some embodiments, the substantially irregular shape may include one of a slit, an oval shape, an elliptical shape, an hourglass shape, a rectangular shape, and a diamond shape. In some embodiments, the opening may be part of a non-cylindrical fluid passage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-partapplication of co-pending U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 14/272,368filed on May 7, 2014 and entitled “Apparatus Including a CylindricalBody and a Nub”, and Ser. No. 14/691,220 Filed Apr. 20, 2015, and alsoentitled “Apparatus Including a Cylindrical Body and a Nub,” both ofwhich co-pending applications are incorporated by reference herein intheir entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure is generally related to a fluid dispensingapparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus including asubstantially cylindrical body and a nub, where the cylindrical body andthe nub are rounded.

BACKGROUND

Infertility is a common problem among couples. An evaluation by a doctoris often recommended after a period of time (such as one year) ofunprotected intercourse without achieving conception. While it issometimes possible to identify correctable issues that may be preventingconception, some couples pursue expensive medical solutions, such as invitro fertilization at a fertility clinic. A personal inseminationsyringe for home use provides an effective and affordable alternative toexpensive and complicated medical procedures.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, an apparatus may include a substantially cylindricalbody including an end portion having rounded edges and at least oneopening. The apparatus further may include a nub extending from the endportion proximate to the at least one opening. The nub may include asubstantially rounded end. In some embodiments, the opening may have anirregular shape, an oval or elliptical shape, an hour-glass shape, adiamond shape, or another shape. In some embodiments, the opening maydefine or couple to a non-cylindrical fluid passage.

In still another embodiment, an apparatus may include a tubular elementincluding a body portion and a distal end and including a substantiallysmooth surface having rounded edges. The apparatus further may include anub having an opening. In some embodiments, the apparatus may furtherinclude one or more second openings distributed about the nub. In someembodiments, at least one of the opening and the one or more secondopenings may have an irregular shape. In some embodiments, the openingmay be configured to diffuse a fluid dispelled through the opening.

In some embodiments, an apparatus may include a tubular elementincluding a body portion defining an internal cavity and including adistal end. The distal end may include a nub and an opening having anon-circular shape. The tubular element may include a substantiallysmooth exterior surface having rounded edges. The apparatus may furtherinclude a plunger configured to fit within the cavity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus including a syringe with anub, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus including a syringe with anub, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus including a syringewith a nub, in accordance with certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus including a syringe anda sheath including a nub, in accordance with certain embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a sheath including a nub and athreaded attachment, in accordance with certain embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a sheath including a nub and athreaded attachment, in accordance with certain embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a distal end of the sheath of FIG. 6 , inaccordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a distal end of a sheath, similar to thesheath of FIG. 6 , in accordance with certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a sheath including a nub, inaccordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sheath including a nub, inaccordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a side view of an apparatus including a syringe and a capincluding a nub, in accordance with certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 11 including anattachment mechanism, in accordance with certain embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 11 including anattachment mechanism, in accordance with certain embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a cap configured to couple to a syringe, inaccordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of a method of forming a sheath configured toreceive a syringe, in accordance with certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 16A is a side-view of a syringe including multiple openings, inaccordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the syringe of FIG. 16A takenalong line A-A, in accordance with certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view and a perspective view of the syringe ofFIG. 16A, in accordance with certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 18A is a front view of the syringe of FIG. 16A, in accordance withcertain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18B is a perspective view of the syringe of FIG. 16A, in accordancewith certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19A is a side view of a syringe including a nub, in accordance withcertain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19B is cross-sectional view of the syringe of FIG. 19A taken alongline B-B, in accordance with certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 20A is a front view of the syringe of FIG. 19A, in accordance withcertain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20B is a perspective view of the syringe of FIG. 19A, in accordancewith certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 21A-21D are front views of the syringe of FIG. 19A, in accordancewith certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 22A-22D are front views of the syringe of FIG. 19A, in accordancewith certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a side cross-sectional view of the syringe with sectionallines and a front view of the syringe with sectional lines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In the following discussion, the same reference numbers are used in thevarious embodiments to indicate the same or similar elements.Embodiments of an apparatus are disclosed below that include asubstantially cylindrical body portion and a nub that extends from adistal end of the body portion. The cylindrical body portion may be asyringe, a sheath sized to receive a syringe, or cap configured tocouple to a syringe. The nub may have a rounded shape, such as ahemispherical shape, a ring shape (with rounded edges), an ellipticalshape (with rounded edges), a bulbous shape, or some other roundedshape. In some embodiments, the nub may have a diameter that is lessthan a cross-sectional diameter of the syringe. Further, the edges ofthe syringe, the sheath, the cap, or any combination thereof, may berounded, presenting a smooth transition from the elongate body portionto the distal end. In some embodiments, portions of the syringe,portions of the cap, portions of the sheath, or any combination thereofmay be formed from a first material, while other portions of thesyringe, the sheath, the cap, the nub, or any combination thereof may beformed from a second material. In some embodiments, the second materialmay be more flexible or malleable than the first material.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may be used for artificialinsemination by filling a fluid canal of a barrel of the syringe withseminal fluid, and by inserting the apparatus into the vaginal canal todeliver seminal fluid through the vaginal canal to the cervix of thewoman The nub may provide tactile feedback to the woman by allowing herto feel when the distal end of the apparatus is touching the cervix.Further, the feedback provided by the nub may allow the woman to adjustthe position of the apparatus relative to the cervix prior to depressionof the plunger of the syringe to deliver the seminal fluid. Embodimentsof the apparatus are described below with respect to FIGS. 1-13 .

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus 100 including a syringe 102with a nub 106 according to some embodiments. The syringe 102 mayinclude a body having a proximal end with a flange 104 and may define acavity sized to receive a plunger 110 to draw fluid into the cavity andto propel fluid through the opening 108. The flange 104 may be used asleverage by a user when depressing the plunger 110. Further, the body ofthe syringe 102 may include a distal end with the nub 106. The distalend of the body of the syringe 102 may also include an opening 108 toallow fluid flow. In the illustrated example, the opening 108 extendsthrough a corresponding opening in the nub 106; however, the nub 106 andthe opening 108 may be offset from one another. In some embodiments, theopening 108 may be offset from a center of the distal end of the syringe102. In some embodiments, the nub 106 may be offset from the center ofthe distal end. In some embodiments, the nub 106 and the opening 108 maybe offset from the center of the distal end.

In some embodiments, the body of the syringe 102 may have asubstantially cylindrical shape (or tubular shape) forming a fluidconduit and having rounded edges at the distal end. Further, the nub 106may have a substantially semi-spherical shape and may extend outwardfrom the distal end of the syringe 102 proximate to a longitudinal axis112 of the syringe 102. In some embodiments, the nub 106 may have adiameter (D1) that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 112 of thesyringe 102 and that is smaller than a diameter (D2) of the body of thesyringe 102. In some embodiments, the body of the syringe 102 may beformed from a first material, and the nub 106 may be formed from asecond material. In some embodiments, the body of the syringe 102 andthe nub 106 may be formed from a unitary piece of material (such asmolded antibacterial plastic).

In some embodiments, a user may draw fluid into a cavity within the bodyof the syringe 102 by pulling the plunger 110. The user may then insertthe syringe 102 into the vaginal cavity and depress the plunger 110 todispense the fluid through opening 108. The nub 108 may providefeed-back to the woman to allow her to feel the position of the distalend of the syringe 102 against her cervix prior to dispensing the fluid.

In some embodiments, the rounded edges of the distal end of the body ofthe syringe 102 and the rounded shape of the nub 108 provide asubstantially smooth and relatively comfortable feel as compared to astandard syringe that has corners and a pointed (though needle-less)end. While a conventional syringe may have edges or corners that can besharp or abrasive, the syringe 102 and the nub 108 are rounded toprovide smooth edges.

While the illustrated example of FIG. 1 included a single opening thatextends through the nub 108, it should be understood that the distal endof the syringe 102 may include one or more openings to allow fluidpassage to and from the cavity within the body of the syringe 102 andthe outside environment. One possible example of a syringe that mayinclude multiple openings is described below with respect to FIG. 2 .

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus 200 including a syringe 202with a nub 106 according to some embodiments. The syringe 202 mayinclude the flange 104 and may include a cavity sized to receive theplunger 110. The syringe 202 further may include multiple openings 204extending from the cavity to the outside environment. In the illustratedexample, the openings 204 are distributed about the nub 106 and areoffset from the nub 106. In some embodiments, additional openings 204 orfewer openings may be provided. In some embodiments, the openings 204may be distributed circumferentially along the sidewalls of the body ofthe syringe 202 near the distal end. Further, in some embodiments, theopenings 204 may align with corresponding openings that extend throughthe nub 106.

In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 1 and 2 , the syringe 102 and 202may be formed from a first material, such as a substantially rigid,anti-bacterial and anti-microbial plastic material, while the nub 106may be formed from a second material, that may also have anti-bacterialand anti-microbial properties, but that may be more elastic or malleablethan the first material. Additionally, in some embodiments, the nub 106may be attached to or coupled to the syringe 102, 202. In someembodiments, the nub 106 may be integrally formed with the syringe 102,202. An example of some embodiments of the syringe 202 having anintegrally formed nub 106 and including the opening 108 is describedbelow with respect to FIG. 3 .

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus 300 including a syringe202 with a nub 106 according to some embodiments. The syringe 202 mayinclude a body portion that defines a cavity 308 that extends from aproximal end, which may include the flange 104, to a distal end, whichmay include openings 204, and the nub 106. Additionally, in someembodiments, the nub 106 also may include an opening 108. The openings108 and 204 extend through the distal end of the body of the syringe 202to permit fluid flow between a fluid area 310 and the environment.

The apparatus 300 further may include the plunger 110 including a rodportion 302 and an end portion 304. A gasket or seal 306 may be coupledto the end portion 304 to provide a fluid seal to prevent fluid flowfrom the fluid area 310 toward the body portion 302 and to draw fluidthrough the openings 108 and 204 in to the fluid area 310 or to drivefluid from the fluid area 310 through the openings 108 and 204.

In some embodiments, the nub 106 may be part of the distal end of thebody of the syringe 202. In some embodiments, the nub 106 may omit theopening 108 and the openings 204 may be included. In some embodiments,the openings 204 may be omitted and the opening 108 may be included.

In some embodiments, an outer sheath or covering may be provided thatmay be adapted to cover a needle-less syringe. The outer sheath may beconfigured to receive the syringe and to provide a rounded distal endand a nub. An example of an apparatus including a sheath is describedbelow with respect to FIGS. 4-10 according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus 400 including a syringe402 and a sheath 405 including a nub 406 according to some embodiments.The syringe 402 may include a body portion defining the cavity 308 sizedto receive a plunger 110 having a rod portion and an end portion 304that is coupled to a gasket or seal 306. The syringe 402 may furtherinclude a flange 404, a hub portion 412, and a nose portion.

414. The nose portion 414 may define an opening for fluid passage from afluid area 410 and the external environment. The sheath 405 may includea stop portion 422 configured to contact the hub portion 212 of thesyringe 402 to seat the syringe 402 within the sheath 405. The sheathmay be a substantially cylindrical (or tubular member) defining a cavitysized to receive the syringe 402. The sheath 405 may also include anopening 416 configured to receive the neck portion 414 of the syringe402. The sheath 405 may further may include a nub 406 that extendsoutward from a distal end of the sheath 405. The nub 406 may have arounded, substantially hemispherical, ring, elliptical, or other roundedshape that may partially define the opening 416 that is configured toalign with a corresponding opening 108 through the neck portion 414 toallow fluid passage.

In some embodiments, the sheath 405 may be formed from a first material,and the syringe 402 may be formed from a second material. The firstmaterial may be more elastic, more malleable, softer, or any combinationthereof relative to the second material. In some embodiments, the sheath405 may have a substantially cylindrical shape without edges and maydefine an opening on a proximal end that is sized to receive a syringe402. The sheath 405 may include one or more openings configured to alignwith an opening on the syringe. Further, in some embodiments, thesurface of the sheath 405 may have some texture or uneven areas.Additionally, in some embodiments, the sheath 405 may include anattachment element, such as threads to mate with corresponding threadson an outer surface of a syringe, a flange element configured to matewith a corresponding recess on the syringe, some other attachmentstructure, or any combination thereof. An example of a sheath that mayinclude an attachment structure is described below with respect to FIG.5 .

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view 500 of a sheath 505 including a nub 406and a threaded attachment 502 according to some embodiments. The sheath505 may define a cavity 504 sized to receive a syringe and may includean opening 508 configured to align to a corresponding opening 408 of asyringe. The sheath 505 further may include an attachment feature 502.In the illustrated example, the attachment feature 502 may be threadsconfigured to fit corresponding threads on an exterior surface of thesyringe. The user may turn the syringe within the cavity 504 in order tosecure the sheath 505 to the syringe.

In some embodiments, the size of the opening 416 may be sufficientlynarrow to apply a hoop stress on the neck portion 414 of the syringe 402to secure the sheath 505 to the syringe. In some embodiments, anextension on an inner surface of the sheath 505 may be configured tomate with a corresponding recess on an exterior surface of the syringeto secure the sheath 505 to the syringe.

In some embodiments, the sheath 505 may be formed from a medical gradesilicone. In some embodiments, the sheath 505 may be formed from amedical device material, such as a polymer designed to support medicalapplications and to maintain its material properties even aftersterilization. In some embodiments, the sheath 505 may be formed from aflexible, substantially malleable material that may be of a differentmaterial from that of the syringe.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view 600 of a sheath 605 including a nub 406and a threaded attachment 502 according to some embodiments. The sheath605 defines a cavity 504 sized to receive a syringe and may include athreaded feature 502 configured to mate with a corresponding feature onan outside surface of the syringe to secure the syringe within thesheath 605. The sheath 605 may include a nub 406 that extends from adistal end 602 of the sheath 605. The sheath 605 may include openings204 about a periphery of the nub 406.

FIG. 7 is a front view 700 of a distal end 602 of the sheath 605 of FIG.6 according to some embodiments. The distal end 602 may include openings204 and nub 406. While the openings 204 are distributed around the nub406 of the distal end 602 approximately midway between the nub 406 andthe peripheral edge of the distal end 602, in some embodiments, theopenings 204 may be positioned closer to the peripheral edge or closerto the nub 406. Further, in some embodiments, additional openings orfewer openings may be provided. One possible example of a distal endthat may include an additional opening is described below with respectto FIG. 8 .

FIG. 8 is a front view 800 of a distal end 602 of a sheath, similar tothe sheath 605 of FIG. 6 , according to some embodiments. The front view800 may include the opening 108 that extends through a center of the nub406 in addition to the openings 204.

In some embodiments, the nub 406 may be positioned at approximately acenter of the distal end 602. In some embodiments, the nub 406 may beoffset from a center of the distal end 602. The opening 108 may bealigned to a longitudinal axis of a syringe.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view 900 of a sheath 905 including a nub 406according to some embodiments. The sheath 905 may include multiplelayers including an outer layer 902 and an inner layer 904. The sheath905 may define an opening 504 sized to receive a syringe. The outerlayer 902 may include the nub 406. In some embodiments, the inner layer904 and the outer layer 902 may cooperate to form the nub 406. In someembodiments, the inner layer 904 may be formed from a first material andthe outer layer 902 may be formed form a second material. In someembodiments, the first material may be more rigid than the secondmaterial. While the illustrated example of FIG. 9 depicts the innerlayer extending from the opening of the proximal end along its entirelength to the opening of the distal end 602, in some embodiments, theinner layer may extend only a portion of the length of the sheath 905.One possible example of a sheath having an inner layer that extends foronly a portion of the length of the sheath is described below withrespect to FIG. 10 .

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view 1000 of a sheath 1005 including a nub406 according to some embodiments. The sheath 1005 may include multiplelayers including a first layer 1002 that extends about an entireperiphery of the sheath 1005. The sheath 1005 may further include aninner layer 1004 that extends over a portion of an interior surface ofthe sheath 1005. In some embodiments, the inner layer 1004 may extendover the stop portion 422 of the sheath 1005, providing a relativelyrigid seat against which the syringe may be positioned withoutover-stressing the distal end 602 of the sheath 1005.

In some embodiments, the nub 406 may include an opening that extendstherethrough, and the nub 406 may be positioned at approximately acenter of the distal end 602. In some embodiments, the nub 406 may beoffset from a center axis of the sheath 1005. In some embodiments, thenub 406 may extend at least partially over the opening 108 to preventthe fluid from dispensing in a direct stream out of the opening 108, anddispersing the fluid over a larger spray area than a fluid stream wouldotherwise provide.

While the embodiments described above included a syringe with a nub anda sheath with a nub, in some embodiments, the nub may be provided on acap configured to fit onto a distal end of a syringe. Examples of suchembodiments are described below with respect to FIGS. 11-14 .

FIG. 11 is a side view of an apparatus 1100 including a syringe 102 anda cap 1102 including a nub 1106 according to some embodiments. Thesyringe 102 may include the plunger 110 and the flange 104. The syringe102 may further include a hub portion 412 and a neck portion 1110 thatextends from the hub portion 412 and through which the opening 108 mayextend. The syringe 104 may further include an attachment feature 1104configured to mate with a corresponding attachment feature of the cap1102.

In some embodiments, the cap 1102 may be a substantially cylindricalshape (or tubular shape) having a rounded end that may include a nub1106 and an opening 1108 that extends through the cap 1102. The cap 1102may include an attachment feature on an interior surface of the cap 1102that may be configured to couple to the attachment feature 1104 on thesyringe 102 to secure the cap 1102 to the syringe 102. In someembodiments, the cap 1102 may include an opening 1108 configured toalign to the opening 108 of the neck 1110 of the syringe 102.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view 1200 of the cap 1102 of FIG. 11including an attachment mechanism 1202 according to some embodiments.The attachment mechanism 1202 may be configured to mate with acorresponding recess 1104 of the syringe 102 in a manner that may besimilar to a pen cap coupling to a pen. In some embodiments, theattachment feature 1202 may be a flange or other structure that extendsfrom an inner surface of the cap 1102. In some embodiments, theattachment feature 1202 may extend about an entire inner circumferenceof the cap 1102. In some embodiments, the attachment feature 1202 mayextend about a portion of the inner circumference of the cap 1102.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view 1300 of the cap 1102 of FIG. 11including an attachment mechanism 1302 according to some embodiments. Insome embodiments, the attachment mechanism 1302 may be located at a stopportion of the cap 1102. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism1302 may be located within an opening 1108 of the cap 1102. Theattachment mechanism 1302 may be a threaded portion configured to matewith a corresponding threaded portion of a syringe to secure the cap1102 to the syringe.

While the cap 1102 depicted in FIGS. 11-13 may include the opening 1108located at a center of the rounded end of the cap 1102, it should beappreciated that, in some embodiments, the opening 1108 may be offsetfrom a center axis of the cap 1102. In some embodiments, the cap 1102may include multiple openings as described below with respect to FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 is a side view 1400 of a cap 1102 configured to couple to asyringe according to some embodiments. The cap 1102 may include a nub1106 and an opening 1108 that extends through the nub 1106.Additionally, the cap 1102 may include multiple openings 1402, which maybe arranged circumferentially about the nub 1106. Within the cap 1102,the openings 1402 may be coupled to an opening 108 of the syringe byconduits extending from the opening 108 to the openings 1402.

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of a method 1500 of forming a sheathconfigured to receive a syringe according to some embodiments. At 1502,an apparatus may be formed that may include an open proximal end and adistal end including a rounded nub and that may include a cavityextending from the proximal end to the distal end. Advancing to 1504, atleast one opening is formed that extends from the cavity through thedistal end. Continuing to 1506, an attachment feature may be optionallymachined on a surface of the apparatus configured to mate with acorresponding attachment feature of another component. In someembodiments, the apparatus may be a syringe having a nub, and theattachment feature may include a recess configured to mate with a flangeor ridge on an interior surface of a cap or sheath (the other component)that also may include a nub. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be asheath or cap that is configured to couple to a corresponding attachmentfeature on a syringe. In some embodiments, the sheath and the syringemay include a nub. In some embodiments, the sheath may include a nub,and the syringe may include a neck portion that extends at leastpartially toward the nub.

FIG. 16A is a side-view of a syringe 1600 including multiple openings,in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Thesyringe 1600 may include a body portion 1602 having a flange 1604. Thebody portion 1602 may define a cavity sized to receive a rode portion1606 of a plunger 1608. The body portion 1602 may further include one ormore openings 1610 at a distal end opposite the flange 1604. The one ormore openings 1610 may extend from an exterior surface through thedistal end of the body portion and into the internal cavity. In someembodiments, the number, the spacing, the shape, and the interiordimensions of the openings 1610 may vary to provide a desired diffusionfor fluid disbursed through the openings 1610.

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view 1620 of the syringe 1600 of FIG. 16Ataken along line A-A, in accordance with certain embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The syringe 1600 further includes a seal 1622configured to fit over a tip of the rod portion 1606 of the plunger 1608to form a fluid seal against the interior surface of the cavity of thebody portion 1602 in order to push fluid toward and through the openings1610. In the cross-sectional view, a central opening 1624 is shown,which may be formed at a substantially central position in the distalend of the body portion 1602 (opposite end from the flange 1604).

FIG. 17 is an exploded view 1700 and a perspective view 1720 of thesyringe 1600 of FIG. 16A, in accordance with certain embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The exploded view 1700 includes the seal 1622.Further, the exploded view 1700 includes the rod portion 1606 of theplunger 1608. The rod portion 1606 includes an end 1702 sized to fitinto an opening of the seal 1622. The rod portion 1606 may furtherinclude a flange portion 1702 sized to engage an interior surface of theseal 1622 and may further include a stopper portion 1704 configured toengage a portion of the seal 1622 to prevent over stressing. In someembodiments, the seal 1622 may be installed onto the end 1702 and may bepushed over the flange portion 1702 to engage the stopper portion 1704.The flange portion 1702 may engage an interior portion of the seal 1622to secure the seal 1622 to the rod portion 1606.

FIG. 18A is a front view 1800 of the syringe 1600 of FIG. 16A, inaccordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The frontview 1800 depicts the plunger 1608, the flange 1604, and the bodyportion 1602. The body portion 1602 includes the openings 1610 and thecentral opening 1624. In the illustrated example, the openings 1610 and1624 are approximately the same size and shape. However, in otherembodiments, the openings 1610 may be a different size and shape ascompared to the central opening 1624. In some embodiments, instead ofbeing arranged in a circular formation around the central opening 1624,the openings 1624 may be arranged in a different configuration.

FIG. 18B is a perspective view 1820 of the syringe 1600 of FIG. 16A, inaccordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Theperspective view 1820 includes the openings 1610 and 1624 at the distalend of the body portion 1602 opposite to the flange 1604.

FIG. 19A is a side view of a syringe 1900 including a nub 106, inaccordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Thesyringe 1900 may include a body portion 1902 having a flange 1904. Thesyringe 1900 may further include a plunger 1908 having a rod portion1906, which may have an end to which a seal 1922 may be coupled. Thesyringe 1900 may include an opening that may extend from an exteriorsurface of the nub 106 into the interior cavity defined by the bodyportion 1902.

In some embodiments, the opening through the nub 106 may have asubstantially irregular shape, which may diffuse or otherwise distributefluid as it passes through the opening. Examples of such irregularshapes may be described below with respect to FIGS. 20A-22B. As usedherein, the term “irregular shape” refers to a shape other than a circleor square shape.

FIG. 19B is cross-sectional view 1920 of the syringe 1900 of FIG. 19Ataken along line B-B, in accordance with certain embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The cross-sectional view 1920 depicts a cavity 1924within the body portion 1902. The cavity 1924 may hold fluid to bedisseminated through the opening 1926, which may extend from the cavity1924 through the nub 106.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the body portion 1902 mayinclude a plurality of openings. In some embodiments, the opening 1926may have a substantially irregular shape. Further, in some embodiments,the opening 1926 may define a fluid passage having an irregular internalshape. Examples of the irregular shaped opening 1926 may be describedbelow with respect to FIGS. 20A-21D.

FIG. 20A is a front view 2000 of the syringe 1900 of FIG. 19A, inaccordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The frontview 2000 includes the body portion 1902, the flange 1904, the plunger1908 and the nub 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 1926may be implemented as a rounded rectangular shape, an elliptical shape,an oval shape, or another non-circular shape. The opening 1926 mayextend from the cavity within the body portion 1902 through the nub 106.Other openings may also be provided (either through or around the nub106).

FIG. 20B is a perspective view 2020 of the syringe 1900 of FIG. 19A, inaccordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Theperspective view 2020 depicts the opening 1926 having a substantiallyelliptical, oval or oblong shape, which may provide a diffused fluiddispersion pattern as compared to a high pressure stream that might beproduced by a small circular opening.

FIGS. 21A-21D are front views of the syringe of FIG. 19A, in accordancewith certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring now toFIG. 21A, a front view 2100 of the syringe 1900 of FIG. 19A is shown.The front view 2100 includes the body portion 1902, the flange 1904, theplunger 1908 and the nub 106. The nub 106 may include an opening 2102having an irregular shape, such as a barbell type of shape or anothershape.

FIG. 218 depicts a front view 2120 of the syringe 1900 of FIG. 19Aincluding an opening 2122 having an irregular shape that issubstantially rectangular-shaped. In some embodiments, therectangular-shaped opening 2122 may provide a non-uniform dispersal offluid.

FIG. 21C depicts a front view 2140 of the syringe 1900 of FIG. 19Aincluding an opening 2142 having an irregular shape that issubstantially hourglass-shaped. In some embodiments, thehourglass-shaped opening 2142 may provide a non-uniform dispersal offluid.

FIG. 21D depicts a front view 2160 of the syringe 1900 of FIG. 19Aincluding an opening 2162 having an irregular shape that issubstantially diamond-shaped. In some embodiments, the diamond-shapedopening 2162 may provide a non-uniform dispersal of fluid.

FIG. 22A is a cross-sectional view 2200 of the syringe 1900 of FIG. 19Aincluding an opening 2204. In some embodiments, the opening 2204 maydefine a cylindrically-shaped fluid passage extending from the cavitywithin the body portion 1902 through the nub 106. The cross-sectionalview 2200 further depicts the rod portion 1906 of the plunger 1908extending within the cavity of the body portion 1902. Further, the rodportion 1906 may include an end portion 2222, a flange portion 2224, anda stop portion 2226. Further, a seal 2202 may be coupled to the endportion 2222 and may be configured to provide a fluid seal extending afull internal diameter of the cavity to push fluid toward the opening asthe plunger 1908 is pushed toward the distal end of the body portion1902.

FIG. 22B is a cross-sectional view 2220 of a portion of the syringe 1900including the opening 2204 having a substantially cylindrical fluidpassage that extends from an external surface of the nub 106 to a cavitydefined by the hub portion of the syringe 1900. In the illustratedexample, the rod portion 1906 is fully inserted within the cavity suchthat the seal 2202 is in contact with the interior surface of the distalend of the body portion 1902.

FIG. 22C is a cross-sectional view 2240 of a portion of the syringe 1900including an opening 2242 defining a fluid passage having a varyinginternal diameter. In the illustrated example, the varying internaldiameter may form a Venturi tube type of passage having a narrow portiontoward the middle of the passage and a wider portion at the opening toprovide reduced pressure and increased dispersion.

FIG. 22D is a cross-sectional view 2260 of a portion of the syringe 1900including an opening 2262 defining a fluid passage. Within the opening2262, the syringe 1900 may include an obstruction element 2264configured to diffuse or otherwise disperse fluid that may be pushedthrough the opening 2262 by the plunger 1908 via the rod portion 1906and the seal 2202.

FIG. 23 is a side view cross-sectional view and front view withsectional lines illustrating preferred dimensional measurements of thepresent syringe assembly. Section A-A is the length of syringe 102.Section B-B is the height or width of the syringe. Section B″-B″ is theis the internal diameter of the syringe barrel 202. Section B′-B′ is theexterior diameter of the nub 106. Section C-C is the height of the nub106. Attention is directed in particular to the nub 106. The form of nub106 is subtle, with smooth curves to facilitate comfortable insertion.Nub 106 is small relative to the length of barrel 202 from which it isform. In an exemplary preferred embodiment, the length of barrel 202,including nub 106, of section A-A is 3.6 inches (91.4 mm) whereas thelength C-C (that is, the height of the nub portion 106 which extendscontiguously from the end of barrel 202), is approximately 0.2 inches(4.9 mm) or in a range of 4 mm-6 mm. The length/height of Nub 106,therefore, is approximately 5.4% the length of barrel 202. An operablepreferred embodiment has a nub height in the range of 4% to 6% thelength of the barrel. In the same exemplary preferred embodiment, thediameter of nub B′-B′ has a nub exterior diameter in the range of 0.3 to0.4 inches (7.6 mm-10.1 mm.

Opening 108 traversing through nub 106 and has preferred dimensions of0.09 inches (2.3 mm) by 0.05 inches (1.3 mm).

The relatively small size, dimensions, and smooth curvature of nub 106and the preferred dimensions of the opening 108 are not purelyornamental, arbitrary or merely a matter of design choice. Theembodiment of the preferred dimensions is the result of testing,iteration and refining of the design with the objective of obtainingdesired performance characteristics. The performance characteristicsinclude little loss of payload in delivery to the cervix, effectivedispersal of the payload, and comfort of use. The small nub iscomfortable for the user and provides a very short channel or reservoirin the opening through which the payload is delivered, resulting in verylittle loss of payload left trapped in the syringe, and a geometry ofthe opening to provide effective dispersal of the payload into thecervix.

Nevertheless, In some embodiments, the invention contemplates that theshape of the opening, the shape of the fluid passage, or any combinationthereof may be selected to provide a desired fluid dispersion at adistal end of the syringe. In some embodiments, the external diameterand length of the syringe may be selected to provide a suitableinsertion vessel through which the fluid may be presented. With the useof an insemination syringe, for example, the vagina extends from thevulva to the uterus, and the length of the vagina may vary from about2.75 inches to about 4.75 inches. Accordingly, the length of the syringemay be selected to be a suitable length for a particular woman Forinsemination purposes, the body portion of the syringe (from the distalend to the flange) may be approximately 2.75 to 3 inches in length.Other lengths may also be possible.

In conjunction with FIGS. 1-23 , an apparatus is described that mayinclude a sheath or body portion having a distal end having a roundednub and at least one opening. In some embodiments, the at least oneopening may include a non-circular or irregular shaped opening, such asa slit, an hourglass shape, a barbell shape, a diamond shape, anothershape, or any combination thereof. The distal end of the apparatus maybe rounded to present a blunt or “edgeless” end presenting asubstantially smooth transition from an elongate portion to a distalportion of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be usedfor home-based artificial insemination, such as by insertion of theapparatus into the vagina of a woman until the nub contacts the woman'scervix. The plunger may then be depressed to expel seminal fluid ontothe cervix through the opening to provide artificial insemination.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a syringe having asubstantially tubular shape and having a substantially rounded distalend. The syringe may further include a rounded nub extending from thedistal end proximate to a longitudinal axis of the syringe. In someembodiments, the rounded nub may include the opening to allow fluid topass therethrough. In some embodiments, the distal end may include aplurality of openings to allow fluid passage. In some embodiments, theopening or openings in the rounded nub, the other openings at the distalend, or any combination thereof may have non-circular or irregularshapes to diffuse the fluid as it passes through the one or moreopenings.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a syringe and a sheathhaving a cavity sized to receive the syringe. The sheath may include oneor more openings on a distal end that are configured to align with (ormate with) a fluid opening of the syringe. In some embodiments, thesheath may include an attachment feature configured to mate with acorresponding feature on the syringe. In an example, the attachmentfeature may include threads configured to mate with correspondingthreads of the syringe to secure the syringe within the sheath. Inanother example, the attachment mechanism may include a raised edge onone of an interior surface of the sheath and an exterior surface of thesyringe that is configured to mate with a corresponding recess on theother of the exterior surface of the syringe and the interior surface ofthe sheath. Further, in some embodiments, at least a portion of thesheath may be formed from a first material, and at least a portion ofthe syringe may be formed from a second material. In some embodiments,the first material may be more flexible or malleable than the secondmaterial.

In some embodiments, a cap or partial sheath may be configured to matewith a syringe to provide a rounded end having a nub and including oneor more openings for fluid passage. In some embodiments, the nub may berounded and may include an opening configured to align to an opening ofthe syringe to allow fluid from the syringe to pass there-through. Theopening of the cap or partial sheath may be irregular in shape (e.g.,oval, elliptical, hourglass shaped, barbell shaped, rectangular shaped,or some other shape). In some embodiments, the cap or partial sheath mayinclude an attachment feature configured to mate with a correspondingfeature of the syringe to secure the cap or partial sheath to thesyringe. In some embodiments, the syringe may be formed from a firstmaterial, and the cap or partial sheath may be formed from a secondmaterial. The first material may be more rigid than the second material.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the scopeof the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a plunger; and asubstantially cylindrical body including an end portion having roundededges and defining a cavity sized to receive the plunger, thesubstantially cylindrical body having a length and including at leastone opening extending from the cavity to an external surface, the atleast one opening having a substantially irregular shape; and a nubextending for a distance of 4% to 6% of the length of the body from theend portion proximate to the at least one opening.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the substantially irregular shape comprises at leastone of a slit, an oval shape, an elliptical shape, an hourglass shape, arectangular shape, and a diamond shape.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the nub has a substantially rounded end.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a nub extending from the end portion andhaving a substantially rounded end, the nub including the at least oneopening extending therethrough.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thesubstantially cylindrical and the nub may be formed from a unitarymaterial.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising thesubstantially cylindrical body including a fastener element configuredto mate to a corresponding feature of a cap.
 7. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the substantially cylindrical body comprises a syringe.
 8. Anapparatus comprising: a cylindrical body having a proximal end, a distalend and an elongate portion extending therebetween, the distal endhaving a rounded corner relative to the elongate portion to form asubstantially smooth transition from the elongate portion to the distalend, the distal end further including an opening having a substantiallyirregular shape; and a nub coupled to and extending in a range of 4 mmto 6 mm from the distal end proximate to the opening, the nub having arounded end.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the substantiallyirregular shape comprises at least one of a slit, an oval shape, anelliptical shape, an hourglass shape, a rectangular shape, and a diamondshape.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the nub comprises at leastone of a substantially hemispherical shape, a substantially annularshape, and a substantially elliptical shape.
 11. The apparatus of claim8, wherein the nub includes an opening configured to align with theopening of the distal end.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, furthercomprising a fluid passage configured to couple an internal cavity ofthe cylindrical body to the opening of the nub.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein the fluid passage comprises a non-cylindrical shape.14. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of secondopenings extending through the distal end of the cylindrical body. 15.The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the cylindrical body includes anattachment element configured to mate with a corresponding attachmentfeature of a cap to secure the cylindrical body to the cap.
 16. Anapparatus comprising: a tubular element including a body portion havinga length and defining an internal cavity and including a distal end, thedistal end including a nub extending from the distal end 4% to 6% of thebody portion length and having an opening having a non-circular shape,the tubular element including a substantially smooth exterior surfacehaving rounded edges; and a plunger configured to fit within the cavity.18. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising an attachment elementon the tubular element, the attachment element configured to mate with acorresponding attachment feature of a cap.
 19. The apparatus of claim16, wherein the non-circular shape comprises at least one of a slit, anoval shape, an elliptical shape, an hourglass shape, a rectangularshape, and a diamond shape.
 20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein thetubular element comprises a syringe.